Sam Amick
@samamick.bsky.social
Senior NBA writer, The Athletic
Previously: The Sacramento Bee, AOL FanHouse, Sports Illustrated, USA Today
The Athletic archive: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/sam-amick/
The old-school stuff: https://nbaconfidential.wordpress.com/the-archive/
Previously: The Sacramento Bee, AOL FanHouse, Sports Illustrated, USA Today
The Athletic archive: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/sam-amick/
The old-school stuff: https://nbaconfidential.wordpress.com/the-archive/
What I’m hearing about the Knicks’ struggles and the Karl-Anthony Towns questions, a look at the LaMelo Ball situation and what Charlotte might do at the trade deadline, Kings corner and much more, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
What we’re hearing about Karl-Anthony Towns’ Knicks future, plus more NBA trade intel
With the Knicks floundering, would they really consider trading Karl-Anthony Towns? Plus more on Lamelo Ball, Ja Morant.
www.nytimes.com
January 23, 2026 at 2:46 PM
What I’m hearing about the Knicks’ struggles and the Karl-Anthony Towns questions, a look at the LaMelo Ball situation and what Charlotte might do at the trade deadline, Kings corner and much more, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
Story with Nick Friedell on the Warriors' devastating loss of Jimmy Butler, whose torn ACL is expected to cost him this entire season, and what it means, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
Warriors’ Jimmy Butler tears ACL, expected to miss the rest of the season: Source
The Warriors' star wing suffered the injury after coming down awkwardly in the third quarter of Monday night's win over the Heat.
www.nytimes.com
January 20, 2026 at 9:05 AM
Story with Nick Friedell on the Warriors' devastating loss of Jimmy Butler, whose torn ACL is expected to cost him this entire season, and what it means, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
Weekly roundup of of our NBA trade buzz, at @theathletic.com, including my read on the Ja Morant situation and why what he wants (Miami) isn’t what matters most here.
A boo-bird/Bucks watch on the Giannis front, Kuminga, AD, Timberwolves and more…
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
A boo-bird/Bucks watch on the Giannis front, Kuminga, AD, Timberwolves and more…
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
What we’re hearing about Ja Morant’s tepid trade market, plus more deadline buzz
Ja Morant's trade saga underscores the difference between teams simply showing interest in a player and legitimately pursuing him in a deal.
www.nytimes.com
January 16, 2026 at 4:29 PM
Weekly roundup of of our NBA trade buzz, at @theathletic.com, including my read on the Ja Morant situation and why what he wants (Miami) isn’t what matters most here.
A boo-bird/Bucks watch on the Giannis front, Kuminga, AD, Timberwolves and more…
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
A boo-bird/Bucks watch on the Giannis front, Kuminga, AD, Timberwolves and more…
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
It’s Jonathan Kuminga day - and he’s still on the Warriors.
An inside look at this broken relationship and why, even with Jan. 15 finally arriving, a resolution still isn’t in sight, with @thompsonscribe.bsky.social and Nick Friedell, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
An inside look at this broken relationship and why, even with Jan. 15 finally arriving, a resolution still isn’t in sight, with @thompsonscribe.bsky.social and Nick Friedell, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
How Jonathan Kuminga and the Warriors drifted apart — and why a split maybe isn’t imminent
With Kuminga now trade eligible, the Warriors' front office faces a defining decision.
www.nytimes.com
January 15, 2026 at 3:20 PM
It’s Jonathan Kuminga day - and he’s still on the Warriors.
An inside look at this broken relationship and why, even with Jan. 15 finally arriving, a resolution still isn’t in sight, with @thompsonscribe.bsky.social and Nick Friedell, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
An inside look at this broken relationship and why, even with Jan. 15 finally arriving, a resolution still isn’t in sight, with @thompsonscribe.bsky.social and Nick Friedell, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
From Sacramento to the Clippers, Wolves, Miami, Toronto, Brooklyn and beyond, the one and only @johnhollinger.bsky.social weighs in on the Ja Morant market in Memphis, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/695...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/695...
Why Grizzlies put Ja Morant on the trade market and which teams could be interested
Morant is now at the center of the NBA trade market solar system, and he might be leaving Memphis sooner than later.
www.nytimes.com
January 10, 2026 at 7:51 PM
From Sacramento to the Clippers, Wolves, Miami, Toronto, Brooklyn and beyond, the one and only @johnhollinger.bsky.social weighs in on the Ja Morant market in Memphis, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/695...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/695...
Reposted by Sam Amick
Well this is a hell of an interview that @samamick.bsky.social had with Giannis. Not gonna spoil it but Giannis made a lot of strong declarative statements about his present and future in Milwaukee www.nytimes.com/athletic/695...
Giannis says he will never ask for trade from Bucks: ‘That’s not in my nature’
In an exclusive interview with The Athletic, Antetokounmpo reiterated his commitment to Milwaukee but noted it's "as of today."
www.nytimes.com
January 8, 2026 at 3:21 PM
Well this is a hell of an interview that @samamick.bsky.social had with Giannis. Not gonna spoil it but Giannis made a lot of strong declarative statements about his present and future in Milwaukee www.nytimes.com/athletic/695...
A late-night discussion with Giannis Antetokounmpo, who tells me he’ll never ask for a trade out of Milwaukee.
“It’s…not…in…my…nature, ok?” the Bucks big man said.
Much more here on his superstar saga, from the loading dock, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/695...
“It’s…not…in…my…nature, ok?” the Bucks big man said.
Much more here on his superstar saga, from the loading dock, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/695...
Giannis says he will never ask for trade from Bucks: 'That's not in my nature'
www.nytimes.com
January 8, 2026 at 3:16 PM
A late-night discussion with Giannis Antetokounmpo, who tells me he’ll never ask for a trade out of Milwaukee.
“It’s…not…in…my…nature, ok?” the Bucks big man said.
Much more here on his superstar saga, from the loading dock, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/695...
“It’s…not…in…my…nature, ok?” the Bucks big man said.
Much more here on his superstar saga, from the loading dock, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/695...
The latest on Anthony Davis, why his camp wants him traded before the Feb. 5 deadline, and the difficult dynamics Dallas is dealing with among suitors, at @theathletic.com (w/ @christianclark3.bsky.social)
www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
What we’re hearing about Anthony Davis and a possible trade from the Mavericks
With Dallas struggling to hold down a Play-In Tournament spot, will the team look to deal its star big man before the Feb. 5 trade deadline?
www.nytimes.com
January 7, 2026 at 3:36 PM
The latest on Anthony Davis, why his camp wants him traded before the Feb. 5 deadline, and the difficult dynamics Dallas is dealing with among suitors, at @theathletic.com (w/ @christianclark3.bsky.social)
www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
Talking NBA trade season, with @johnhollinger.bsky.social and @joshrobbins.bsky.social, at @theathletic.com
Weighing in on Giannis, AD, Trae, LaMelo, Ja et al...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
Weighing in on Giannis, AD, Trae, LaMelo, Ja et al...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
Will Giannis or Trae Young be moved? Our experts debate biggest NBA trade deadline questions
It's not only the stars that could make a difference with the trade deadline coming in one month.
www.nytimes.com
January 5, 2026 at 8:28 PM
Talking NBA trade season, with @johnhollinger.bsky.social and @joshrobbins.bsky.social, at @theathletic.com
Weighing in on Giannis, AD, Trae, LaMelo, Ja et al...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
Weighing in on Giannis, AD, Trae, LaMelo, Ja et al...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
Jamal Murray’s choice to take a basketball break last summer sparked his start. We talked in camp about the welcome difference from his (Olympic) offseason.
Little did he know he’d be doing this w/out Joker, AG, Cam, Christian or Jonas 🤦♂️
@theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
Little did he know he’d be doing this w/out Joker, AG, Cam, Christian or Jonas 🤦♂️
@theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
Jamal Murray is walking tall as the Nuggets' last starter still standing
www.nytimes.com
January 2, 2026 at 4:36 PM
Jamal Murray’s choice to take a basketball break last summer sparked his start. We talked in camp about the welcome difference from his (Olympic) offseason.
Little did he know he’d be doing this w/out Joker, AG, Cam, Christian or Jonas 🤦♂️
@theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
Little did he know he’d be doing this w/out Joker, AG, Cam, Christian or Jonas 🤦♂️
@theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
On this brutal challenge facing the battered Nuggets and why Jamal Murray - whose All-Star drought should come to an end this year - is the key to surviving it, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
Jamal Murray is walking tall as the Nuggets' last starter still standing
www.nytimes.com
January 2, 2026 at 4:21 PM
On this brutal challenge facing the battered Nuggets and why Jamal Murray - whose All-Star drought should come to an end this year - is the key to surviving it, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
Under pressure: A deeper look at five teams that are front and center as the NBA trade deadline nears.
Intel on the Hawks (Trae, AD/Risacher?), Clippers plans, Bucks buying, the Warriors’ dilemma, and Lakers’ pursuits, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
Intel on the Hawks (Trae, AD/Risacher?), Clippers plans, Bucks buying, the Warriors’ dilemma, and Lakers’ pursuits, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
Five NBA teams that desperately need to make a trade before the deadline
With Hawks, Lakers, Warriors and more feeling the pressure, here's what they're considering ahead of the trade deadline.
www.nytimes.com
December 31, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Under pressure: A deeper look at five teams that are front and center as the NBA trade deadline nears.
Intel on the Hawks (Trae, AD/Risacher?), Clippers plans, Bucks buying, the Warriors’ dilemma, and Lakers’ pursuits, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
Intel on the Hawks (Trae, AD/Risacher?), Clippers plans, Bucks buying, the Warriors’ dilemma, and Lakers’ pursuits, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
Nikola Jokic newser, at @theathletic.com
In the midst of another MVP-caliber season, the Nuggets big man goes down with a left knee injury in Miami. More details here…
www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...
In the midst of another MVP-caliber season, the Nuggets big man goes down with a left knee injury in Miami. More details here…
www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...
Nikola Jokić leaves Nuggets-Heat game with left knee injury
www.nytimes.com
December 30, 2025 at 2:50 AM
Nikola Jokic newser, at @theathletic.com
In the midst of another MVP-caliber season, the Nuggets big man goes down with a left knee injury in Miami. More details here…
www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...
In the midst of another MVP-caliber season, the Nuggets big man goes down with a left knee injury in Miami. More details here…
www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...
On Giannis’ windmill that left the Bulls seeing red late Saturday night, at @theathletic.com
Amid all of the messiness that surrounds him, and with the Bucks stubbornly signaling that he’s going nowhere, it was a refreshing reminder that he’s one of a kind.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...
Amid all of the messiness that surrounds him, and with the Bucks stubbornly signaling that he’s going nowhere, it was a refreshing reminder that he’s one of a kind.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...
Giannis throws down: ‘We’re fighting for our lives and we gotta get our hands dirty’
His late windmill may have been an affront to basketball decorum, but to Giannis Antetokounpo, it was an absolute necessity.
www.nytimes.com
December 28, 2025 at 4:37 PM
On Giannis’ windmill that left the Bulls seeing red late Saturday night, at @theathletic.com
Amid all of the messiness that surrounds him, and with the Bucks stubbornly signaling that he’s going nowhere, it was a refreshing reminder that he’s one of a kind.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...
Amid all of the messiness that surrounds him, and with the Bucks stubbornly signaling that he’s going nowhere, it was a refreshing reminder that he’s one of a kind.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...
Talking all things NBA on “The Athletic Show,” where the intentional fouling debate was in full swing.
Episode (on Amazon Fire and YouTube) features a strong Steve Kerr interview from @zenakeita.bsky.social
@theathletic.com @robertmays.bsky.social and Jason Goff
youtu.be/nKkjYi6jx1k?...
Episode (on Amazon Fire and YouTube) features a strong Steve Kerr interview from @zenakeita.bsky.social
@theathletic.com @robertmays.bsky.social and Jason Goff
youtu.be/nKkjYi6jx1k?...
December 21, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Talking all things NBA on “The Athletic Show,” where the intentional fouling debate was in full swing.
Episode (on Amazon Fire and YouTube) features a strong Steve Kerr interview from @zenakeita.bsky.social
@theathletic.com @robertmays.bsky.social and Jason Goff
youtu.be/nKkjYi6jx1k?...
Episode (on Amazon Fire and YouTube) features a strong Steve Kerr interview from @zenakeita.bsky.social
@theathletic.com @robertmays.bsky.social and Jason Goff
youtu.be/nKkjYi6jx1k?...
The Spurs lost the finale, but the message sent to the Thunder - and the league at large - was still the most meaningful NBA Cup moment of them all.
On San Antonio’s emergence as a real threat and questions surrounding their ascent, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
On San Antonio’s emergence as a real threat and questions surrounding their ascent, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
The Spurs lost the NBA Cup, but the rest of the league remains on notice
www.nytimes.com
December 17, 2025 at 6:38 PM
The Spurs lost the finale, but the message sent to the Thunder - and the league at large - was still the most meaningful NBA Cup moment of them all.
On San Antonio’s emergence as a real threat and questions surrounding their ascent, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
On San Antonio’s emergence as a real threat and questions surrounding their ascent, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
(Early) NBA trade talk: What I’m hearing about Giannis, Anthony Davis, the Timberwolves’ plans, all things Kings, and Jonathan Kuminga (with a Pelicans tie-in) as the key Dec. 15 date nears, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
What I'm hearing about Giannis, AD and other major NBA trade situations
www.nytimes.com
December 12, 2025 at 4:02 PM
(Early) NBA trade talk: What I’m hearing about Giannis, Anthony Davis, the Timberwolves’ plans, all things Kings, and Jonathan Kuminga (with a Pelicans tie-in) as the key Dec. 15 date nears, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
The annual NBA front office rankings are back - with 36 execs weighing in - and one thing remains unchanged: OKC stands alone at the top.
See how the top 10 unfolded, with a bonus question about front offices on the rise, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/686...
See how the top 10 unfolded, with a bonus question about front offices on the rise, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/686...
Which NBA teams have the best front offices? Here’s how 36 executives voted
Three dozen decision-makers across the league weighed in on their peers, what they admire and who stands above the rest.
www.nytimes.com
December 10, 2025 at 3:55 PM
The annual NBA front office rankings are back - with 36 execs weighing in - and one thing remains unchanged: OKC stands alone at the top.
See how the top 10 unfolded, with a bonus question about front offices on the rise, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/686...
See how the top 10 unfolded, with a bonus question about front offices on the rise, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/686...
An urgent call for a meeting, change of travel plans, plane delay and a late-night hoops divorce that shocked the NBA world: Inside the stunning Chris Paul exit from the Clippers, with @lawmurraythenu.bsky.social and @joevardon.bsky.social , at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/686...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/686...
How Chris Paul’s short-lived reunion with the LA Clippers fell apart
Chris Paul returned to a Clippers team many believed could compete for a title. Instead, LA is 5-16 and Paul is no longer with the team.
www.nytimes.com
December 4, 2025 at 2:28 AM
An urgent call for a meeting, change of travel plans, plane delay and a late-night hoops divorce that shocked the NBA world: Inside the stunning Chris Paul exit from the Clippers, with @lawmurraythenu.bsky.social and @joevardon.bsky.social , at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/686...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/686...
Can OKC - now 21-1 after beating Golden State - break the 73-win record? The resident experts, Steve Kerr and Draymond Green, weigh in.
A deep (data) dive on how this Thunder team compares (so far) to the 2015-16 Warriors, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
A deep (data) dive on how this Thunder team compares (so far) to the 2015-16 Warriors, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
Can the Thunder break Golden State’s 73-win record? The Warriors say yes
After beating Golden State to improve to 21-1, OKC is chasing the 2015-16 Warriors. "I do think they're capable," Draymond Green said.
www.nytimes.com
December 3, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Can OKC - now 21-1 after beating Golden State - break the 73-win record? The resident experts, Steve Kerr and Draymond Green, weigh in.
A deep (data) dive on how this Thunder team compares (so far) to the 2015-16 Warriors, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
A deep (data) dive on how this Thunder team compares (so far) to the 2015-16 Warriors, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
Embattled Grizzlies star Ja Morant has gone from "go ask the coaching staff" to...joining the coaching staff? Sort of.
A look here at how he's using his voice during his absence, the trade rumors that persist, and more, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
A look here at how he's using his voice during his absence, the trade rumors that persist, and more, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
Ja Morant can be a headache for Memphis. He's also 'a huge advantage,' even on the bench
www.nytimes.com
December 2, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Embattled Grizzlies star Ja Morant has gone from "go ask the coaching staff" to...joining the coaching staff? Sort of.
A look here at how he's using his voice during his absence, the trade rumors that persist, and more, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
A look here at how he's using his voice during his absence, the trade rumors that persist, and more, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
Kings GM Scott Perry addresses his team’s brutal start, the patience needed for a rebuild to come, the (longstanding) issue of autonomy under owner Vivek Ranadive, Doug Christie’s performance and much more, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Scott Perry unplugged: Sacramento GM talks building for the future, trades, Doug Christie
www.nytimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Kings GM Scott Perry addresses his team’s brutal start, the patience needed for a rebuild to come, the (longstanding) issue of autonomy under owner Vivek Ranadive, Doug Christie’s performance and much more, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Sources: NBA asked teams, including Lakers, to hand over documents and property as part of investigation into illegal sports gambling. Two LeBron associates are among those cooperating.
With @mikevorkunov.bsky.social and @joevardon.bsky.social, @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
With @mikevorkunov.bsky.social and @joevardon.bsky.social, @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
NBA seeks cell phones from multiple teams, including Lakers, in gambling investigation: Sources
www.nytimes.com
November 15, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Sources: NBA asked teams, including Lakers, to hand over documents and property as part of investigation into illegal sports gambling. Two LeBron associates are among those cooperating.
With @mikevorkunov.bsky.social and @joevardon.bsky.social, @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
With @mikevorkunov.bsky.social and @joevardon.bsky.social, @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
If you need a break in Nico coverage…enjoy this chat with OKC coach Mark Daigneault.
On the Thunder’s title defense strategy, coaching SGA, & whether or not he has a Ted Lasso side, at @theathletic.com
“I just don’t want to f*** it up.”
(10-1 so far) 😳
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
On the Thunder’s title defense strategy, coaching SGA, & whether or not he has a Ted Lasso side, at @theathletic.com
“I just don’t want to f*** it up.”
(10-1 so far) 😳
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
OKC's Mark Daigneault unplugged: The art of coaching the ambitious defending champs
www.nytimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 10:26 PM
If you need a break in Nico coverage…enjoy this chat with OKC coach Mark Daigneault.
On the Thunder’s title defense strategy, coaching SGA, & whether or not he has a Ted Lasso side, at @theathletic.com
“I just don’t want to f*** it up.”
(10-1 so far) 😳
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
On the Thunder’s title defense strategy, coaching SGA, & whether or not he has a Ted Lasso side, at @theathletic.com
“I just don’t want to f*** it up.”
(10-1 so far) 😳
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
What if Michael Finley never grabs Luka Doncic’s beer?
On those 13 symbolic seconds after Doncic’s Dallas Mavericks won the West, and why Nico Harrison finally paid the price for his disastrous decision to trade a generational talent, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
On those 13 symbolic seconds after Doncic’s Dallas Mavericks won the West, and why Nico Harrison finally paid the price for his disastrous decision to trade a generational talent, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Seeds of Nico Harrison's demise sowed even before he traded Luka Dončić
www.nytimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 8:54 PM
What if Michael Finley never grabs Luka Doncic’s beer?
On those 13 symbolic seconds after Doncic’s Dallas Mavericks won the West, and why Nico Harrison finally paid the price for his disastrous decision to trade a generational talent, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
On those 13 symbolic seconds after Doncic’s Dallas Mavericks won the West, and why Nico Harrison finally paid the price for his disastrous decision to trade a generational talent, at @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...